Lucian Piane, RuPaul’s Drag Race music producer, dies aged 46
Lucian Piane, a composer and producer known for his work on RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died at age 46, after an accident in Los Angeles.
Piane died after being hit by a car early Monday morning and his death has been ruled an accident, according to TMZ.
RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Lucian Piane died after a traffic accident aged 46. Getty
The medical examiner’s records list his place of death as a street.
The Glendale Fire Department confirmed it responded to a reported traffic collision at about 4.15am and despite lifesaving efforts, the patient was pronounced dead at the scene.
TMZ reported Piane had two run-ins with police the weekend before his death.
He did not have identification on him at the time of his death according to authorities, but had a citation for a city smoking ordinance and was due to appear in court on Monday, the day of the accident.
Piane had been part of the RuPaul’s Drag Race family since season one in 2009 and last appeared on the show in 2012.
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He was the producer behind many of Drag Race’s biggest songs as well as the show’s theme and hits from RuPaul.
In August, Piane, who has battled mental health and addiction issues, publicly celebrated a milestone in his sobriety.
“Sober over a year and getting back in the game,” he shared on Instagram.
In recent weeks, fans voiced their concern for Piane after he posted a series of alarming videos to social media, asking him to “get sober and stay sober” and “seek help”.
Piane marked a year sober in August. Instagram/@lucianpiane
After his death, Drag Race production company World of Wonder shared a statement paying tribute to Piane.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Lucian Piane. Lucian left behind a legacy of truly beautiful music,” it read.
“May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend and a master musician. Rest in peace, Lucian.”
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said: “Such a beautiful soul, so talented … such a loss.”
“You will be missed,” the show’s official account wrote alongside three white heart emojis.
Outside Drag Race, Piane was nominated for a Grammy for his work on the Hairspray film soundtrack and was known for his satirical techno remixes.
